Shopkeeper says nuisance beggars could force his store to close
A SHOPKEEPER says he will close his store for good if nothing is done to stop nuisance beggars targeting vulnerable people on a busy Derby road.
Yahya Akter, who owns Iqra Books on Normanton Road, fears for people’s safety as well as his and other shops with “criminalised begging gangs” getting worse than ever. It is claimed large groups are targeting people for money at cash machines and around shopping trolleys.
Traders also claim some of the beggars threaten violence if their request for money is refused.
The problem has become so bad that at least two shops on Normanton Road – Iqra Books and supermarket Pak Foods – face an uncertain future.
Iqra Books, which has been on Normanton Road for almost 20 years, could close within months if things don’t get any better.
Owner Mr Akhter says he has made a number of complaints to police but claims very little is done to resolve the problems.
His comments came after local councillor Gulfraz Nawaz showed our reporter around following a story warning drivers about begging on Pentagon and Kingsway islands.
“This is affecting the community in a very serious way – I have decided I will close at the start of next year if nothing is done,” Mr Akhter said. “Every day it is getting harder and harder to cope with. We are fearing for our lives.
“People know there are beggars around and will not come near my shop. It has affected takings. My shop is like a community centre and caters for all religions. In my view, police have failed the community. I have complained to the police on several occasions but nothing has been sorted.
“We have been seeing our local police and PCC for many years to get help against crime. But after the last meeting we decided not to see the police again. As a community we have done everything we can do.
The begging is also a problem on the other side of Normanton Road.
Saqib Mohammed, manager of Pak Foods, said he is worried for the supermarket’s future. “One day the beggars disappear, the next day they are here almost all day. It’s a big problem,” he said.
“You used to see families come to Pak Foods, now mainly you see only individuals. It is worrying. If fewer customers are coming in, it’s a problem. If they come and experience someone begging they will end up not coming here.
“We understand police can’t be here 24 hours a day but we want to hear solutions to solve this.”
Cllr Nawaz said: “These are big businesses in Derby which have concerns every day about what is happening with beggars.
“It is the worst it has ever been. If they were to close this would be really bad for Derby.”